The Twisted Laird

by Cherime MacFarlane

  There was a noise at the head of the stairs. Edan rose, drawing his sgian as he did.

  "Edan?"

  Lowering the knife he relaxed, as he watched the door open. He knew the voice. Daracha reached a hand out toward him.

  "Here, gradh. Step forward carefully, I've moved ah chest out, tae sit on."

  Reaching out he took her hand. Edan guided the young woman around the chest to stand before him. Her searching fingers found his arms. Daracha slid her hands up his arms, to his shoulders, then around his neck.

  "Och, Edan. I've had nae time tae tell ye how much I love ye. I'm sorry for all who were slaughtered by tha Sassenach, but so glad tae have ye back."

  She smelled of sun and of heather. He wound his arms around Daracha, pulling her against him.

  "Ye're tha only light in dark an evil forest, gradh. But it isnae fair tae flaunt our happiness before tha others. I was thinking we need tae wait tae marry."

  Her fingers found his ear lobe. Daracha's lips caressed his neck as her strong fingers moved upward into the hair at the base of his skull.

  "Then take me without it. I willnae be denied again. Ye are ah good an honorable man, but I am ah determined woman. I want ye an ye alone."

  "Daracha, gradh!" She was sucking on his neck. Edan knew he should be watching through the window. Anyone could sneak up on him without his knowledge. Daracha's other hand began to stoke his chest. When her fingers encountered one of his nipples, she toyed with it.

  Edan put both hands on her shoulders as he took a step backward. "Nae! Not like this, gradh. Would ah handfast suit ye for now? Ye ken tha church willnae recognize it?"

  Her fingers fastened around his wrists. Daracha lifted his hands from her shoulders as she stepped forward again. "An what will they say if we enter Glasgow as man an wife? So there is nae record, what of it? Our world is upside down people an documents are lost an gone. If they force it we can renew our vows in tha church. I would have ah handfast tomorrow in tha morning, before we leave."

  Pressing closer, her bosom rested lightly against his chest. Then Daracha pushed the rest of her body against him. Murmuring softly, she tugged his shirt up and rubbed her palm against his flesh. Edan found his trews far too tight.

  If he did not stop her soon, he would take what Daracha offered on the floor. "Dear God, woman! Let me take ah breath. Tomorrow morning, before we leave we will say tha vows, before what is left of MacGrough. Yur wedding night will be spent on tha road tae Glasgow."

  She laughed softly as she allowed him to step back. "As long as we spend tha night together, I care not one whit, how it comes about."

  Asking her to leave was difficult. "Now go along, Daracha. Rest while ye can. It will be ah long hard road on tha morrow."

  She backed a few steps away from Edan before turning to walk to the door. "I dinna want tae go." With her hand on the door, her whisper caressed him.

  "I ken, gradh. I want ye tae stay, but tha others are suffering so. Part of me wants tae hold ye close, an damn all else. Part of me is still mourning."

  Edan heard her make a noise in the back of her throat. "Aye, Edan. I ken. I would comfort ye, my darlin lad. Tomorrow night I will hold ye in my arms, handfast or nae."

  Slipping out of the door, she closed it partially behind her. Edan stepped to the window. All was still quiet outside. He ran one palm down the stones beside the window. How many other MacGroughs stood where he did now? How long would it be before another of his ilk would do the same?

  He heard the door creak slightly behind him. Edan turned to face the doorway in curiosity. "Who?"

  "Rhona, Edan. I want a word."

  "Have I nae had enough words from ye in tha last few days tae last a lifetime? What do ye want tae spew at me now?"

  Rhona heard the anger in his deep voice. Unfortunately, Edan did have some cause to be angry with her. Rhona felt her face burn, as she thought about how she kicked his bad leg when his back was turned. Lifting her head, she refused to let him know she was feeling even a small amount of remorse.

  "Where are tha jewels an tha MacGrough necklace?"

  "Still where they were. We cannae do anything with tha jewels or tha necklace without raising tae much suspicion. Tha gold is going tae be enough tae deal with. An we must be careful how we go about using it."

  "So all else stays here tae be found by some traitor?"

  "Since tha days of King Robert Bruce tha treasure has stayed hidden. Tis nae likely anyone else will find it. Mayhap, as Hamish said, another MacGrough long years from now will seek and find."

  "I saw Daracha enter tha room. Would ye take pleasure while yur kin mourns?"

  "Daracha an I will be handfasted on the morrow. Naught else is yur business! Go chew on another body's ear. I've ah watch tae keep an ye're naught but ah distraction."

  "So on tha morrow, ye an yur woman will indulge in ah pleasure tha rest of us are denied! Truly, ye're ah lout, Edan Campbell." She refused to acknowledge he was now Laird of MacGrough.

  "Go down an cease flapping yur mouth. I've heard enough. I told Hamish I might need tae hurt ye ah little. If ye persist in trying tae take bites out of me, like some crazed meanbh chuileag, I might do something I will regret. Leave me alone, Rhona! Get away from me while I can still keep from hurting ye."

  Rhona closed the door between them. For a moment she leaned against the wall behind her. Edan was incensed. He told Hamish he might need to hurt her! Rhona wondered what Hamish said in reply. Perhaps, it might be best to leave Edan alone for a bit ...if she could find a way to do so.

  The opened handed smack Edan gave the stone wall, caused his hand to sting. God's teeth, the woman was a dour, ill-tempered witch! The pain in his hand did nothing to lower the level of his anger. Shaking her, until her teeth rattled in her foul mouth might. Edan leaned his forehead against the wooden supports which framed the opening, as he tried to calm his ire.

  He thought of Daracha, of the feel of her pressed against him. Tonight, Edan would let her do what Daracha wished with his body, as he would do with hers. The thought did not calm him. But the rush of feelings it brought to Edan was much preferable to the anger Rhona kindled in him.

  Edan stared out the window into the night. It was not entirely black. The stars above him provided enough light to see shadows. One could see to move about, if they allowed their eyes to adjust to the lower level of light. This level of brightness was more to his liking, compared to the nights when the moon was full.

  The harsh light of the moon painted things in too stark a contrast. Edan could hide inside the darker shadows on nights like these. As a lad he learned to make his way silently through the darkness.

  From shadow to shadow he crept, becoming simply another shadow in the quiet of the night. No one was able to see his lameness in the darkness.

  Thoughts jumped through his brain as salmon hurled themselves over rocky rapids to spawn. Daracha invaded his mind again. Never in Edan's wildest dreams could he imagine Daracha would, or could want him. But she chose him above all the rest. Each time Edan thought on it he wondered if she might be toying with his feelings.

  On the morrow she wished to handfast with him. Edan was nervous, not because she wished to be his wife, but because he wondered if Daracha would actually go through with the vows. Praying Daracha would still be willing in the morning; Edan wanted to rush across the hall into Hamish's bedroom, but did not. From there, he could see if the sky was beginning to lighten in the east.

  But he did not leave the post he needed to keep watch from. Although they supported the Sassenach at Culloden, he felt MacNab was less likely to come stirring up trouble than the Campbells. Caught between two clans who fought for the enemy, Edan would probably find himself an outlaw, or in jail if he stayed. Then, the women he was charged with caring for would have no resources.

  Feeling as a piece of waulked plaid stretched between tenterhooks, he waited for the sun to rise. So much could go wrong on the coming day. Edan prayed for a respite, just a day in whi
ch to wed Daracha and get everyone and the two carts out of the glen.

  His world was upside down. The place which always meant safety and home could well be a trap, if they were not able to move quickly enough. Edan could not have slept if he wished to.

  A faint pinking of the clouds forming on the western horizon set his heart to racing. Edan hurried down the stairs as quickly as he could. It was time to wake the clan. They needed to be on the move by the breaking of day.

  "Up with ye, MacGrough! Come along all, we must be on tha move shortly."

  There were several deep sighs from the women sleeping on the floor. One child began to cry, as it was forced to wake.

  Daracha rose swiftly. Red-gold strands bounced as she rose from the bedding to take his hand. "Och, gradh. I've spoken with Gara already. She kens what we are about, before tha journey begins. Soon as tha food for tha weans is on we will take our vows.'

  With a nod Edan turned from her to look around at the women. All were now up and children were being tended to. Nessa was lighting a fire in the fireplace. As he watched the old woman put on porridge. Sitting on a stool, Nessa began to stir the oats and water, so the food would not burn.

  As soon as the bedding was gathered up, Gara walked over to the couple with a smile. Daracha did not let go of Edan. The smiling lass held his arm tightly. Edan was transfixed by the look in her eyes when Daracha smiled up at him. There were no words to describe his feelings.

  "Ye two would marry in the old way. Ye do ken tha church willnae recognize what ye do here this morn?"

  Daracha turned to Gara with a bright smile. "I'm nae worried about tha church. Tae much is awry now for any tae call us tae account on tha matter. All I plan tae say is this is my husband."

  "Well enough, Daracha. I ken. So, I've only this small hair ribbon tae bind yur hands together. Come then."

  Leading them toward the fireplace, Gara finally stopped them just in front of where Nessa sat stirring the porridge. She turned the couple to face the women who were gathered around the fireplace.

  "Daracha and Edan would take vows of marriage before ye, their kin. Do ye vow tae love, care for an respect each other?"

  As Gara asked the question she took their clasped hands and wound the ribbon around them. She held both their hands in hers, as she waited for their reply.

  Edan lifted his right hand and cupped Daracha's cheek in his palm. "Aye, until tha end of my days."

  "Aye, until God calls me home I will be true tae Edan MacGrough." Daracha replied.

  There were nods, accompanied by smiles. Edan glanced at each of the women gathered around them hurriedly. He was looking for Rhona. Edan was worried about what she might have to say. He did not want Daracha to have this small pleasure tarnished by Rhona's vile temper.

  Finally, he saw her over by the kitchen. Jean's lassie, Lilas was in her arms. The lass was chewing on something, as Rhona bounced her on one hip. Edan breathed a sigh of relief. It appeared she meant to let their joining go by without comment.

  After giving Daracha a quick kiss he went to see to the harnessing of the animals to the carts. As soon as they had eaten it would be past time to leave.

  Edan was coupling the last strap when Daracha came outside to bring him a piece of bannock bread which was baked in the coals the night before. There was a slather of butter on top of it.

  Edan mumbled his thanks, as he hurriedly stuffed it into his mouth. He was too hungry to be delicate.

  After passing him a jug of ale, Daracha watched him take a large drink. "Well now, starved were ye?"

  "Aye, wife, I truly was. Thank ye, for thinking of me." He used both hands to cup her face, so he might turn her lips to his for a kiss.

  Daracha sighed, as she reached out to grab the front of his shirt in one hand. "Tha day will be far tae long. Do ye ken, Edan?" She released him with a last flick of her tongue to the corner of Edan's mouth. Edan found himself licking where she had.

  His eyes narrowed, as he tried to steady himself. "Give way, woman!" He growled at her. "Ye ken I need tae be able tae walk. If ye continue tae do things like that I willnae be able tae."

  Her laugh was light hearted. It lifted his spirits. No matter what the day bought in the way of obstacles, Edan knew a deep inner joy. Some one loved him above all others.

  Chapter Six

  Edan rode the spare horse while Daracha walked at his side. He tried to insist one of the older women ride, but was voted down by them all. Rut and Nairna rode on the pony cart. Rhona drove the big cart, which contained all their goods, packed in Edan's wooden chests.

  Walking at his right side, Daracha occasionally stroked his thigh. Edan knew it for the promise it was. She was a loving woman, his new wife. There was little talk within the group, as all appeared lost in their own thoughts.

  On reaching the brow of the hill leading down into the glen no one turned to look back. Edan was glad to top the last ridge from which MacGrough lands could be seen. He did not want to look, nor did he need to. Every inch of the land was engraved on his heart. There was not a dip or hillock Edan was not intimately acquainted with.

  Teetering on a knife edge of happiness and sorrow, Edan fought down the urge to look back. Daracha patted his leg and looked up at him. Edan's eyes met hers. The love and support he found in her blue eyes bolstered him.

  This was the only course they could take. Secure in the pouch wrapped in his plaid, the gold would give them the edge they needed, to stay alive in the city. He wondered how they would all fare in the closeness of Glasgow. It was not a line of thought which brought his spirits up.

  Edan realized the women he traveled with would not all stay with them. Nairna was a beauty. Some braw lad was sure to snatch her up. Glynis, though not as fair of face as Nairna, possessed a body to test the resolve of a saint. Jean, although a bit older than Glynis, had not entirely lost her looks and figure, regardless of the three children she bore.

  Then there was Rut widow of Gabhran. Huge with child, the women speculated, she carried twins. As they did run in the MacGrough line, it would be no surprise, but the lass glowed. Dark hair and dark eyes, Gabhran often swore he could drown in, her pale skin shone like ivory. Babies or none, Edan could not see her staying with them long.

  What bothered him were the lads. Jean's two, Adie and Blane were nearing the age when a father's hand was necessary. If she remarried, how would the lads fair? Would a stepfather insist on changing the lad's names? Would those two MacGroughs be lost forever?

  That brought Edan to Rhona. With Rut's coloring, were it not for her brittle manner and sharp tongue, Edan could easily see her finding another man.

  Hamish's son, what would Rhona do with the lad, if she did find another man? Edan could see where she could cut him out of the babe's life. As much as Rhona disliked him it was a far greater possibility than he wished to consider.

  He could foresee a time when the clan would be lost. They had always been too few. Wars and skirmishes between Campbell's and MacNab's kept their numbers low. But it was a fear he was not able to deal with at this time.

  Edan tried to block the worry from his mind. It was difficult. Worry always seemed to be his constant companion. As much as he tried to be light hearted and cheerful, as Hamish was, he could not manage it. Now, as happened to Job, it seemed all he feared had come upon him.

  Gara always told him not to bother looking for trouble, for it always found a body. He attempted to explain he was trying to prepare. Looking back on circumstances, Edan thought, perhaps Gara knew the straight of it. Never, in his darkest dreams, did he anticipate the situation he now found himself in.

  Preparation was made, but not by him. The Knight Templar who came to the clan, Gideon and his wife, Ailene, made the provision when they hid the gold behind the supporting stones of the escape tunnel.

  There was another reason he left the necklace and the jewels. They were not needed so they could lie there and wait for a future generation of MacGroughs to find them. Perhaps by leaving them he w
as aiding the clan as Gideon and Ailene did.

  It was a comforting thought. It did lighten his burden. Hamish's words came to him again. If Hamish knew the land would once again belong to MacGroughs, then they would survive somehow, so long as his nephew lived. It was something he would place his hopes in. Fears be damned.

  Passing the swale where a small burn crossed the path, Edan recalled a tale which told of Gideon Templar being wounded there by men seeking to kill him. It was said his wife, Ailene, daughter of Laid Cadell, found him wounded where he went to ground. Gideon was rescued and taken home.

  Edan first heard the tale from his father when they rode to Glasgow to sell a few head of cattle. On the return trip, Edan dismounted to examine the area. He wondered where a man could hide, as there was no where he could see. Edan thought perhaps the trail may have changed.

  Birk dismounted and pointed out the scree slope next to the burn to Edan. The three of them, Birk, Hamish and Edan discussed the matter there. Birk went into detail, as to what their ancestor did to survive and why.

  It occurred to Edan, his father possessed a great deal of information to impart to him. Edan pestered Birk unmercifully from that day until the day he died for information. He wanted all the old tales and the tales of Birk's wounds as well. His father did become exasperated with him occasionally. Most of the time, he answered Edan's questions with humor.

  Someday he would be a father. Edan reflected on the manner in which Birk raised both motherless sons. Birk did not put either of them into the care of someone else, only to go on about his business. Birk taught his sons to be good men. Edan hoped he would do as well.

  With a quick look at Rhona, Edan prayed she would let him help raise Hamish's son. Edan resolved to try to be more patient with Rhona. Child bearing was not an easy thing He witnessed his share of pregnancies, from beginning to end, in the glen.

  Upon reaching the burn which fed into the River Falloch, just above Geal Loch, Edan called a halt. There was a stand of trees which he led the women and carts around. On the back side of the trees was a small meadow. He, Hamish and Birk often camped there on return trips from Glasgow. Tomorrow, they would go on to Tarbet.